In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has been shaping an increasingly independent policy line toward its Gulf neighbors. This trend is evident in a series of strategic moves: from signing the Abraham Accords, to competing with Saudi Arabia, withdrawing from OPEC, expanding its geopolitical activity across various regions, and more. Behind this shift lies a combination of growing self-confidence among the leadership in Abu Dhabi, a desire to become a regional power, and disappointment with its partners.
The UAE’s policy direction distinguishes it not only from regional rivals such as Iran, but also from its Gulf neighbors, foremost among them Saudi Arabia. Tensions with Riyadh are present in nearly every strategic arena: from competition over leadership in the Arab Sunni world, through rivalry for global capital and investment, to differing approaches toward regional foreign policy. The UAE’s independent line became even sharper during the confrontation with Iran, in which the country absorbed more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other Gulf state. Abu Dhabi was disappointed by the lack of a unified front against Iran and by the weak response of some of its neighbors to Iranian aggression.
In this context, the depth of the UAE’s relationship with Israel stands out in particular. While other Arab states that normalized relations with Israel maintained relatively limited cooperation, the UAE developed broad ties with Israel in the fields of security, cyber, technology, and intelligence. Cooperation reportedly intensified during the war with Iran, when Israel is said to have provided the Emirates with air defense systems and intelligence assistance. For Abu Dhabi, the relationship with Israel is not merely diplomatic, but part of a broader strategic vision: building a network of partnerships that will allow it to operate as an independent regional actor — even if this at times creates friction with its closest Gulf partners.
For the UAE, continued divergence from the Gulf collective line could strengthen its position as an independent global “brand-state,” deepen frictions with Saudi Arabia, and even create tensions within the GCC. For Israel, deepening ties with the UAE constitute a significant strategic asset — especially vis-à-vis Iran — but also a source of challenges. Stronger relations enhance Israel’s position on multiple fronts due to the UAE’s status as a key regional player, yet they may also create the perception that Israel has effectively chosen a side within the complex intra-Arab regional dynamic.
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has been shaping an increasingly independent policy line toward its Gulf neighbors. This trend is evident in a series of strategic moves: from signing the Abraham Accords, to competing with Saudi Arabia, withdrawing from OPEC, expanding its geopolitical activity across various regions, and more. Behind this shift lies a combination of growing self-confidence among the leadership in Abu Dhabi, a desire to become a regional power, and disappointment with its partners.
The UAE’s policy direction distinguishes it not only from regional rivals such as Iran, but also from its Gulf neighbors, foremost among them Saudi Arabia. Tensions with Riyadh are present in nearly every strategic arena: from competition over leadership in the Arab Sunni world, through rivalry for global capital and investment, to differing approaches toward regional foreign policy. The UAE’s independent line became even sharper during the confrontation with Iran, in which the country absorbed more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other Gulf state. Abu Dhabi was disappointed by the lack of a unified front against Iran and by the weak response of some of its neighbors to Iranian aggression.
In this context, the depth of the UAE’s relationship with Israel stands out in particular. While other Arab states that normalized relations with Israel maintained relatively limited cooperation, the UAE developed broad ties with Israel in the fields of security, cyber, technology, and intelligence. Cooperation reportedly intensified during the war with Iran, when Israel is said to have provided the Emirates with air defense systems and intelligence assistance. For Abu Dhabi, the relationship with Israel is not merely diplomatic, but part of a broader strategic vision: building a network of partnerships that will allow it to operate as an independent regional actor — even if this at times creates friction with its closest Gulf partners.
For the UAE, continued divergence from the Gulf collective line could strengthen its position as an independent global “brand-state,” deepen frictions with Saudi Arabia, and even create tensions within the GCC. For Israel, deepening ties with the UAE constitute a significant strategic asset — especially vis-à-vis Iran — but also a source of challenges. Stronger relations enhance Israel’s position on multiple fronts due to the UAE’s status as a key regional player, yet they may also create the perception that Israel has effectively chosen a side within the complex intra-Arab regional dynamic.